There are many things Barcelona is famous for including La Rambla, La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell and of course world-class football at Camp Nou. Therefore, you will usually find these things at the top of people’s lists of sights to see when visiting Barcelona. However, Barcelona is a very popular destination with the most popular sights becoming very crowded, especially during the peak summer months. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the peace and escape the crowd or perhaps you have visited Barcelona before, why not visit the lesser-known areas of the city which will still offer you a very enjoyable and memorable holiday. Here were look at four of the lesser-known sights of Barcelona that you must explore.
Bunkers Del Carmel Lookout
The Bunker Del Carmel lookout offers amazing panoramic views across the city of Barcelona and beyond. The bunkers were originally built as anti-craft fortifications during the Spanish civil war. It is now a beautiful unspoilt, natural setting to head away from the crowds below. Yes, it is a popular place to head, especially for sunset.
However, compared to Barcelona’s ‘big’ tourist sights, Bunkers Del Carmel, by comparison, is definitely one of the lesser-known sights of Barcelona. So grab your travel companions, your camera and possibly a picnic and drink in the views this unique viewpoint offers. There is also a small museum if you want to learn more about the civil war.
Parc Del Laberint D’Horta
You can find Parc Del Laberint D’Horta in the Horta-Guinardó district of Barcelona. It is a beautiful park and another of the lesser-known sights of Barcelona. It is the city’s oldest garden and is popular with locals, yet often tourists overlook it. If you are looking to escape the city, this park is the ideal place to head away from the hustle and bustle.
It is also a great place to spend some time if you have children who need to blow off some steam. Here they can play in the adventure playground, run free and enjoy the great outdoors while grown-ups can relax and unwind. Here you will also find a lake, waterfalls, a neoclassical pavilion and a false cemetery (inspired by 19th-century romanticism).
Placa Sant Felip Neri
This small lesser-known square can be found in the Gothic Quarter in the district of Ciutat Vella. Here you will find a school, an octagonal fountain, dedicated as a symbol of life and the Church of Saint Philip Neri from which the square takes its name. There is also a small cafe from where you can admire the gothic architecture and street musicians around you.
Placa Sant Felip Neri does however have a dark history. On the 30th of January 1938, a bomb was dropped killing 30 children who were sheltering inside the church’s basement. Followed by a second bomb bringing the death toll to 42. In 2007 Barcelona City Council installed a bronze plaque to commemorate those who lost their lives.
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site
Barcelona is famous for Gaudi architecture, with people flocking to see his unusual buildings. Some of the most popular sites include Casa Vicens which many consider to be one of the first Art Nouveau buildings in the world, Parc Güell (Park Güell) and of course Basílica de la Sagrada Família. However, if you want to experience a less crowded Gaudi site, head to Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site.
It is formerly the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. You can now visit to see the beautiful architecture. Here you can see beautiful domes, facades, sculptures, and stained glass windows. Together with the Modernista pavilions, which were declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1997.
- Feature Image – c/o Flickr, Fred Romero
No Comments